Production of aromatic compounds containing ethylene double bonds

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a new process for the manufacture of aromatic compounds which at least once contain a benzene ring of an aromatic carbocyclic ring system bonded by an ethylene double bond in conjugation with a further aromatic ring system, i.e. contain the stilbene skeleton or stilbene analogon as central structural element, as well as certain classes of new compounds of this type. The process is characterized by the reaction of a Schiff base of an aromatic aldehyde with an aromatic carbocyclic six-membered ring compound which contains one to four methyl groups bonded to ring carbon atoms of a benzene ring, which furthermore contains aromatic rings which are exclusively six-membered carbocyclic rings, and wherein those benzene rings whose methyl groups are to be caused to react are free of other substituents which contain atoms wich are replaceable by alkali metal. The reaction is carried out in the presence of (a) a strongly basic alkali compound and (b) an N-dialkyl-acylamide as solvent. The compounds obtainable according to this process show a marked fluorescence emission and therefore are suitable for all purposes where fluorescence properties are used, as for instance optical brighteners, scintillators fluorescence dyes, etc.

The instant application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 506,663, filed on Sept. 16, 1974, and now U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,049, which application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 292,229 filed Sept. 25, 1972, and now abandoned, which application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 743,001 filed July 8, 1968, and now abandoned.

The present invention comprises a new and chemically peculiar process for the manufacture of aromatic compounds, which contain, at least once, a benzene ring of an aromatic carbocyclic ring system bonded by an ethylene double bond in conjugation with a further aromatic ring system, the new substances which have become accessible by this process, as well as the use of these substances as optical brighteners.

The process according to the invention is characterized in that (A) a Schiff base of an aromatic aldehyde is reacted with (B) methyl groups of a compound, containing at least one aromatic carbocyclic 6-membered ring, which (1) contains one to four methyl groups bonded to ring carbon atoms of a benzene ring and (2) exclusively contains 6-membered carbocyclic aromatic rings, wherein (3) those benzene rings of which the methyl groups are to be reacted must be free of other substituents containing atoms replaceable by alkali metal, and (4) this aromatic compound containing carbocyclic 6-membered rings either consists (a) of a benzene ring or (b) of a condensed benzene ring system containing linearly or angularly annellated benzene rings or (c) of several benzene rings or condensed benzene ring systems linked together by C--C single bonds, or (d) represents an arrangement of several benzene rings or condensed benzene ring systems which contains at least one linkage by an unsaturated carbon atom chain having 2 or 4 carbon atoms which permits a continuous conjugation from ring to ring, with this reaction being carried out in the presence of a strongly basic alkali compound and with an acylamide of formula [(Alkyl)₂ N]_(w) --Acyl (1)

being used as the reaction medium, with the term "Alkyl" representing a lower alkyl group, the term "Acyl" representing the residue of a lower aliphatic carboxylic acid or of phosphoric acid and w representing the basicity of the acid, and wherein, in the case of alkali hydroxides being used as the strongly basic alkali compound, these alkali hydroxides being permitted to have a water content of up to 25 %.

Within the framework of these conditions, the use of a strongly basic potassium compound as the strongly basic alkali compound and the use of an anil of an aromatic aldehyde, containing 1 to 4 rings with 5 to 6 ring members, as the Schiff base is of interest for practical purposes.

As can be seen, the process of the invention defined above is capable of very broad application provided the basic prerequisites mentioned are fulfilled. This is particularly true with regard to possibilities of substitution, for which in principle the only requirement made - arising from the above definition - is that those benzene rings whose methyl groups are to be reacted must be free of other substituents which contain hydrogen atoms replaceable by alkali metal, such as for example hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acid groups or sulphonic acid groups. This means that the methyl groups to be reacted according to the process of the invention should be capable of carbanion formation in the presence of alkali metal cations. "Competitive reactions" of the alkali metal cations with other substituents, such as for example salt formation, must not occur.

The synthesis characterised above is particularly valuable when applied to the reaction of the following basic types of starting materials:

(I.) The reaction of compounds of formula ##STR1## wherein m denotes an integer from 1 to 4 and the free valencies of the formula, to the extent that they do not carry any methyl groups, can be occupied by a hydrogen atom or substituent of the 1st. order which are free of atoms replaceable by alkali metal, especially hydrogen atoms.

(II.) The reaction of diphenyl compounds of formula ##STR2## wherein the symbols A₁ and A₂ denote hydrogen or a phenyl or diphenyl residue and the symbols B₁ and B₂ are intended to represent that each of the two phenyl groups of the diphenyl skeleton can contain further linearly or angularly annellated benzene rings, p represents an integer from 1 to 3 and m denotes an integer from 1 to 4, wherein (a) the methyl groups indicated in the formula must be bonded to ring carbon atoms of the benzene rings of the formula, and (b) the benzene rings carrying methyl groups must be free of substituents of the 2nd. order and of such substituents of the 1st. order as contain atoms replaceable by alkali metal.

(III.) The reaction of naphthyl compounds of formula ##STR3## wherein the symbols D₁ and D₂ represent hydrogen or a phenyl or diphenyl residue and the symbol E₁ denotes that further linearly or angularly annellated benzene rings, which in turn may carry phenyl or diphenyl residues, may be condensed onto each of the rings of the naphthyl nucleus, r and s represent the numbers 1 to 4 to the extent that positions are still available, m denotes an integer from 1 to 4, and at least one methyl group is bonded to a ring carbon atom of the naphthyl nucleus of the formula, and the benzene rings carrying methyl groups should be free of substituents of the 2nd. order and of such substituents of the 1st. order as contain atoms replaceable by alkali metal.

(IV.) The reaction of aromatic compounds of formula ##STR4## wherein X denotes a bridge member of the series --CH═CH--, --CH═CH--CH═CH--, --C.tbd.C--, the symbols G₁ and G₂ represent hydrogen atoms or phenyl groups, r and s represent an integer from 1 to 3, and the symbols K₁ and K₂ are intended to represent that each of the two phenyl groups of the formula may contain further linearly or angularly annellated benzene rings, m denotes an integer from 1 to 4, and at least one methyl group is intended to be bonded to a ring carbon atom of a phenyl residue of the above formula skeleton, and wherein the benzene rings carrying methyl groups should be free of substituents of the 2nd. order and of such substituents of the 1st. order as contain atoms replaceable by alkali metal.

In the above formulae 3, 4 and 5 the symbols B, E and K are intended to express that at this point condensed benzene ring systems may be present in an arrangement which is in itself known, to the extent that the corresponding positions are free. Thus for example the symbol E₁ is intended to express that further benzene ring systems, (such as for example the benzene nucleus itself, the naphthalene ring system and the like) can in principle be condensed onto all positions of the naphthalene basic skeleton of formula (3), that is to say both to either of the two rings and also to both rings simultaneously. The methyl groups may herein themselves be present at any desired position of any benzene ring of the formula, and preferably at least one methyl group is present at one of the benzene nuclei directly drawn in the structural formula. It is also possible for several methyl groups to be present, and to be made to react in the sense according to the invention, at one and the same benzene nucleus.

Within the framework of the above main types of possible reactions, the use of the subgroups of compounds listed below--always following the reaction principle given above--is of particular interest:

(V.) The reaction of compounds of formula ##STR5## wherein X₂ denotes a bridge member of the series --CH═CH--, --CH═CH--CH═CH--, --C.tbd.C--C.tbd.C--, --C.tbd.C--, and M₁ represents hydrogen or the methyl group.

(VI.) The reaction of an anil of an aromatic aldehyde containing 1 to 2 five-membered to six-membered rings, with a methylbenzene compound of formula ##STR6## wherein m in this formula represents a number from 1 to 4. The benzene nucleus should herein be free of substituents of the 2nd. order but may contain such substitutents of the 1st. order as are free of atoms which are replaceable by alkali metal.

(VII.) The reaction of an anil of an aromatic aldehyde containing 1 to 2 five-membered to six-membered rings with a diphenyl compound of formula ##STR7## wherein, in this formula, A₃ represents a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group or a diphenyl group, A₄ represents a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group or a condensed-on benzene ring and p represents an integer from 1 to 3, and at least one methyl group is bonded to a phenyl residue of the diphenyl nucleus. Herein, the benzene rings carrying methyl groups should be free of substituents of the 2nd. order and of such substituents of the 1st. order as contain atoms replaceable by alkali metal, whilst the nuclei which are free of methyl groups may contain substituents of the 1st. order.

(VIII.) The reaction of a compound of formula ##STR8## wherein M₂ represents hydrogen, the methyl group or phenyl. (IX.) The reaction of a compound of formula ##STR9## wherein n represents the numbers 1 or 2. (X.) The reaction of an anil of an aromatic aldehyde containing 1 to 2 five-membered to six-membered rings, with a naphthyl compound of formula ##STR10## wherein the symbol E₂ denotes that the naphthalene ring of this formula is present either as such or contains, at positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8, 1 to 2 further condensed-on benzene nuclei in the arrangement of condensed polynuclear aromatic carbocyclic six-membered ring systems which are in themselves known, and the symbol D₃ represents a phenyl residue present in positions 6, 7 or, where available, in positions 5 or 8, n denotes an integer from 1 to 3 and at least one methyl group is bonded to the naphthalene nucleus. Herein the benzene rings carrying methyl groups should be free of substituents of the 2nd. order and of such substitutents of the 1st. order as contain atoms replaceable by alkali metal, whilst the nuclei which are free of methyl groups may contain substituents of the 1st. order.

(XI.) The reaction of a compound of formula ##STR11## wherein p represents an integer from 1 to 3. (XII.) The reaction of an anil of an aromatic aldehyde containing 1 to 2 five-membered to six-membered rings, with an aromatic compound of formula ##STR12## wherein the symbol K₃ denotes that two adjacent positions of the phenyl residue which carries K₃ are occupied by hydrogen atoms or contain a condensed-on benzene residue, and G₃ and G₃ ' represent hydrogen or a phenyl residue, whilst n represents an integer from 1 to 2 and at least one methyl group is bonded to a phenyl residue of the stilbene skeleton, and wherein the benzene rings carrying methyl groups should be free of substituents of the 2nd. order and of such substituents of the 1st. order as contain atoms replaceable by alkali metal, and the nuclei which are free of methyl groups may contain substituents of the 1st. order.

(XIII.) The reaction of compounds of formula ##STR13## wherein R₅ represents hydrogen or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R₆ represents hydrogen, an alkoxy group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, and n denotes the numbers 1 or 2.

(XIV.) The reaction of anils of aldehydes of the benzene series with compounds of formula ##STR14## wherein R₁ represents hydrogen or other substituents of the 1st. order which are free of atoms which are replaceable by alkali metal, and m represents an integer from 1 to 4.

(XV.) The reaction of anils of aldehydes of the benzene series with compounds of formula ##STR15## wherein the methyl groups are preferably in positions 2 and 6, R₁ represents hydrogen atoms or other substituents of the 1st. order which are free of atoms which are replaceable by alkali metal, and p represents an integer from 1 to 3.

(XVI) The reaction of anils of aldehydes of the benzene series with compounds of formula ##STR16## wherein the methyl group may be in positions 1, 2 or 9, R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or other substituents of the 1st. order which are free of atoms which are replaceable by alkali metal, and p represents an integer from 1 to 3.

(XVII) The reaction of compounds of formula ##STR17## wherein the methyl group may occupy any desired position in the anthracene ring system.

(XVIII) The reaction of anils of aldehydes of the benzene series with compounds of formula ##STR18## wherein R₁ represents hydrogen or other substituents of the 1st. order which are free of atoms which are replaceable by alkali metal and p represents an integer from 1 to 3.

In the abovementioned formulae 16 and 17 the entry of a methyl group or of the residue R₁ extending across two rings denotes that these substituents may be present on both of these rings.

As regards the substitution possibilities in the case of compounds according to formulae 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 19 it should be explained that the following predominantly require consideration as substituents of the 1st. order: haogens such as fluorine, chlorine or bromine, alkyl groups having more than 2 carbon atoms but mostly not containing more than 18 carbon atoms and preferably up to 12 carbon atoms, which are optionally of branched nature, cycloalkyl groups such as cyclohexyl, alkoxy groups having 1 to 18, preferably 1 to 6, carbon atoms as well as their sulphur analogues (alkylmercapto groups), dialkylamino groups preferably having higher alkyl groups, aryloxy (especially phenyloxy) groups as well as phenylmercapto groups.

In addition to this group of substituents of predominant interest further substituents which meet the requirements posed above may of course also be present, such as for example the trifluoromethyl group, the methylenedioxy group and the like.

The derivatives containing 1 to 4 methyl groups of the following hydrocarbons may be quoted as examples of the ring systems defined by the above formulae, the specification of possible substituents being dispensed with:

Type according to formula (3): ##STR19## Type according to formula (4): ##STR20## Type according to formula (5) ##STR21## The following may for example be mentioned as methylbenzenes of the type according to formula (2) ##STR22##

The Schiff base to be used as the 2nd. reagent in the present process must--as will be obvious--be free of reactive methyl groups, for example of methyl groups in the p-position to the azomethine grouping. The possible Schiff bases in turn represent the (known) condensation products of aldehydes of aromatic character with primary amines (of aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic nature) of which the amino group is bonded to a tertiary carbon atom. Compounds of this nature can accordingly be written as azomethine compounds of formula

    Ar--CH═N--C(tertiary)                                  (24)

wherein Ar denotes an aromatic residue. Herein either one or both of the components (aldehyde and amine) required for the synthesis of the Schiff bases may contain further substituents, provided the above restriction is observed. Since the amine residue, especially the aniline residue, is split off during the reaction and is no longer present in the final product the presence of substituents is here generally not indicated and is of no interest. Nevertheless substituents which do not interfere with the reaction, or hinder it, for example chlorine atoms, may be present in this ring also. The benzene residue bonded to the ═HC--group may for example carry halogen atoms such as bromine or chlorine or alkoxy groups such as methoxy or ethoxy. Schiff bases of preferred interest are those of aromatic aldehydes with anilines, that is to say aromatic aldehydeanils. Such anils for example correspond to the formula ##STR23## wherein k and l may be identical or different and denote hydrogen atoms, chlorine atoms or methoxy groups and h represents chlorine or preferably hydrogen. Adjacent k and 1 may together also form an O--CH₂ --O--group. Another important variant of aromatic anils corresponds to the formula ##STR24## wherein h (as above) represents a hydrogen atom or chlorine and Ar" denotes a naphthyl or diphenyl residue.

The present process is of particular importance in the case where an aromatic aldehyde-anil of formula ##STR25## is used as the Schiff base, wherein h represents hydrogen or halogen and W₆ represents phenyl, α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, diphenyl-4, thienyl-2, pyridyl-3, (methylenedioxy-3,4)-phenyl or a phenyl residue ##STR26## wherein R_(x) denotes halogen, an alkyl group containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms, a phenoxy group or an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R_(y) represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms and p represents the numbers 1 to 3.

The reaction of aldehyde-anils according to formula (27) with compounds according to formulae (6), (7), (9), (10), (12), (14) and (18) has proved of particular interest for practical purposes!

The following may for example be mentioned as suitable mono-aldehydes for the synthesis of the Schiff bases: aldehydes of the benzene series such as benzaldehyde or its halogenated analogues such as the monochloro and dichloro analogues, hydroxybenzaldehydes such as p-methoxybenzaldehyde, p-phenoxybenzaldehyde, alkylated benzaldehydes to the extent that they do not contain any p-methyl groups, such as toluylaldehyde, xylyl-aldehyde or cumoyl-aldehyde, methylenedioxy-benzaldehyde (piperonal), 4-dimethylamino-benzaldehyde, 4-diethylamino-benzaldehyde, diphenyl-aldehyde; aldehydes of the naphthalene series such as α-naphthaldehyde and β-naphthaldehyde, and heterocyclic aldehydes such as for example furfurol, thiophene-2-aldehyde and pyridine-3-aldehyde.

As suitable amines there may for example be mentioned the anilines, naphthylamines or, as an aliphatic representative, tert.butylamine.

The compounds of formulae (2) to (19) may inherently be reacted with the aldehyde-anils in the presence of any desired strongly polar neutral to alkaline organic solvent which is free of atoms, especially hydrogen atoms, which are replaceable by alkali metals. In practice however one considers, as such solvents, above all di-alkylated acylamides of the type

    [(Alkyl).sub.2 N]hd w--Acyl                                (1)

wherein "Alkyl" denotes a lower alkyl group (containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms), especially a methyl group, "Acyl" denotes the residue of a lower carboxylic acid (containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms), especially formic acid or acetic acid, or phosphoric acid, and w indicates the basicity of the acid. As important representatives of such solvents there may be mentioned: dimethylformamide, diethyl formamide, dimethylacetamide and hexamethyl-phosphoric acid triamide. It is also possible to consider solvent mixtures.

A strongly basic alkali compound is furthermore required for the reaction. By strongly basic alkali compounds there are to be understood, within the framework of the present invention, such compounds of the alkali metals (main group I of the periodic table of the elements) including ammonium as exhibit a basic strength of at least approximately that of lithium hydroxide. Accordingly, they may be compounds of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium or ammonium of the type of, for example, the alcoholates, hydroxides, amides, hydrides or sulphides, or strongly basic ion exchangers. It is advantageous (above all if mild reaction condition as regards reaction temperature appear indicated) to use potassium compounds of the composition

    KOC.sub.x-1 H.sub.2x-1                                     ( 28)

wherein x represents an integer from 1 to 6, such as for example potassium hydroxide or potassium tertiary-butylate. In the case of alkali alcoholates and alkali amides (and hydrides) it is, herein, necessary to work in a practically anhydrous medium, whilst in the case of alkali hydroxides water contents of up to 25% (for example crystal water contents) are permitted. In the case of potassium hydroxide a water content of up to about 15% has proved appropriate. Sodium methylate, sodium hydroxide, sodium amide, lithium amide, lithium hydroxide, rubidium hydroxide, casesium hydroxide and the like may be mentioned as examples of other usable alkali compounds. It is of course also possible to work with mixtures of such bases.

According to the preceding explanations, a practically important embodiment of the present invention consists of reacting anils of aldehydes of the benzene and naphthalene series with compounds of formulae (2), (3), (4) and (5), with this reaction being carried out in the presence of an alkali compound having a basic strength at least equal to that of lithium hydroxide, preferably potassium tertiary-butylate or potassium hydroxide, in a solvent which corresponds to the formula

    [(Alkyl).sub.2 N].sub.w --Acyl                             (1)

wherein "Alkyl" denotes a lower alkyl group. "Acyl" denotes the residue of a lower aliphatic carboxylic acid or phosphoric acid and w denotes the basicity of the acid, preferably in dimethylformamide.

The compounds of formula (2) to (5) are appropriately reacted with the aldehyde-anils in equivalent quantities so that neither component is present in a significant excess. Where several methyl groups are to be reacted, an excess of aldehyde-anil can be of advantage. It is advantageous to use at least the equivalent quantity of the alkali compound, that is to say at least 1 mol of a compound with, for example, a KO group per 1 mol of aldehyde-anil. When using potassium hydroxide, the 4-fold to 8-fold quantity is preferably used.

The reaction according to the invention can generally be carried out at temperatures in the range of between about 10° and 150° C. If alcoholates are used as the potassium compound in the reaction, then the reaction frequently already succeeds at room temperature, in which case no external supply of heat is necessary. When using potassium hydroxide it is mostly necessary to work at a higher temperature. The reaction mixture is, for example, slowly warmed to 30°-100° C. and is then kept at this temperature for some time, for example 1/2 to 2 hours. The final substances may be worked-up from the reaction mixture according to usual methods which are in themselves known.

A considerable number of in themselves new compounds the manufacture of which, however, was conceivable by devious routes only have become capable of manufacture in a simple manner according to the process described above. A further large number of new compounds could be manufactured for the first time according to the process of the invention.

The new and known compounds obtainable according to the present process generally fall within the formula

    [U.sub.1 ][CH═CH--W.sub.1 ].sub.m                      ( 29)

wherein in this formula U₁ represents an aromatic carbocyclic ring system containing 6-membered rings, which consists either (a) of a benzene ring or (b) of a condensed benzene ring system containing linearly or angularly annellated benzene rings, or (c) of several benzene rings or condensed benzene ring systems bonded to one another by C--C single bonds, or (d) represents an arrangement of several benzene rings or condensed benzene ring systems which contains at least one linkage by an unsaturated carbon atom chain having 2 or 4 carbon atoms which permits a continuous conjugation from ring to ring, whilst W₁ represents an aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system containing 5 to 6 ring members which may contain still further condensed-on aromatic or hydroaromatic ring systems of carbocyclic or heterocyclic nature and which may contain aromatic or cycloaliphatic substituents of carbocyclic or heterocyclic nature as well as araliphatic and aliphatic substituents with the exception of methyl groups which in the presence of alkali metal ions are capable of carbanion formation, and m represents an integer of from 1 to 4.

The index number m here denotes, in the preceding formula as well as corresponding formulae, that the residue --CH═CH--W₁ may be present once to four times, preferably once to twice, at different points of the ring system, determined by the position of the particular methyl groups of the corresponding starting substance. Both the ring system U₁ and also W₁ are at the same time in conjugation with one another, the conjugation being brought about by the ethylene bridge of the formula.

In a corresponding sense, as explained above under the definition of substitution possibilities - the rule for the possibilities of substitution in the residue U₁ [in formula (29) and corresponding subsequent formulae] is that all rings which are not directly bonded to a residue --CH═CH--W₁ may carry substituents of the 1st. order as well as carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid amide groups, whilst those benzene rings which are directly bonded to a --CH═CH--W₁ grouping should be free of substituents of the 2nd. order and of such substituents of the 1st. order as contain atoms which are replaceable by alkali metal, especially hydrogen atoms. In this context it must be made clear that this definition of substituents naturally relates to the structure of the immediate process products, whilst of course a subsequent introduction also of other substituents is possible by reactions which are in themselves known.

The new and known compounds accessible in accordance with the present process and of predominant interest can be circumscribed by the formula

    [U.sub.1 ][CH═CH--W.sub.2 ].sub.p                      ( 30)

wherein, in this formula, U₁ represents an aromatic ring system containing carbocyclic 6-membered rings which either consists (a) of a benzene ring, or (b) of a condensed benzene ring system containing linearly or angularly annellated benzene rings, or (c) of several benzene rings or condensed benzene ring systems bonded to one another by C--C single bonds, or (d) represents an arrangement of several benzene rings or condensed benzene ring systems which contains at least one linkage by an unsaturated carbon atom chain having 2 or 4 carbon atoms, which permits a continuous conjugation from ring to ring, whilst W₂ denotes a phenyl, diphenylyl-4, α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, pyridyl-3, thienyl-2 or furyl-2 residue which may further contain alkoxy groups, halogen atoms, alkyl groups containing more than 1 carbon atom, dialkylamino groups and methylenedioxy groups, and wherein p denotes an integer from 1 to 3.

A type of important compounds within the framework of the above formulae corresponds to the formula ##STR27## (wherein a series of members of this group has also already been manufactured ina different manner), wherein, in this formula, U₁ represents an aromatic ring system containing carbocyclic 6-membered rings, which either consists (a) of a benzene ring, or (b) of a condensed benzene ring system containing linearly or angularly annellated benzene rings, or (c) of several benzene rings or condensed benzene ring systems bonded to one another by C--C single bonds, or (d) represents an arrangement of several benzene rings or condensed benzene ring systems which contains at least one linkage by an unsaturated carbon atom chain with 2 or 4 carbon atoms which permits a continuous conjugation from ring to ring, whilst Q₁ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, an alkyl group containing more than 1 carbon atom, a dialkylamino group or a methylenedioxy group, and n represents the numbers 1 or 2.

An important group new aromatic compounds which has become accessible through the process according to the invention corresponds to the general formula

    [U.sub.2 ]CH═CH--W.sub.3                               ( 32),

wherein, in this formula, the symbol U₂ represents a residue according to the partial formulae ##STR28## wherein the free valencies indicate at which position of U₂ the residue --CH═CH--W₃ may be located and wherein W₃ and W₃ ' denote a phenyl, diphenylyl-4, α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, pyridyl-3, thienyl-2 or furyl-2 residue which may in each case further contain alkoxy groups, halogen atoms, alkyl groups containing more than 1 carbon atom, dialkylamino groups and methylenedioxy groups, with W₃ however being different from W₃ '.

Compounds which correspond to this type may thus for example be represented by the following formulae: ##STR29## Within the framework of the definition of W₃ and W₃ ' those compounds are again of predominant practical interest in which W₃ or W₃ ' has the significance of a phenyl, α-naphthyl, or β-naphthyl or thienyl-3 residue and this residue may contain 1 to 2 substituents Q₂ having the significance of an alkoxy group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkyl group containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, a chlorine atom, an alkylamino group containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms or a methylenedioxy group.

In accordance with the starting substances used, important groups of the final substances obtainable according to the present process may be sub-divided as follows:

(a) New compounds of formula ##STR30## wherein W₂ ' denotes phenyl, diphenylyl-4, naphthyl or a phenyl group which is substituted by 1 to 3 alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(b) New compounds of formula ##STR31## wherein W₁₀ denotes phenyl, diphenylyl-4, naphthyl or a phenyl residue containing 1 to 3 alkoxy groups.

(c) New compounds of formula ##STR32## wherein R₄ denotes a phenyl group or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R₅ denotes hydrogen or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n represents the numbers 1 or 2, and wherein the residue shown outside the bracket is in the ortho-position or meta-position of the phenyl residue with free valencies inside the bracket.

(d) New compounds of formula ##STR33## wherein R₅ denotes hydrogen or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and q represents the numbers 2 or 3.

(e) New and known substances of formula ##STR34## wherein the symbols A₁ and A₂ denote a hydrogen atom, or a phenyl or diphenylyl-4 residue, the symbols B₁ and B₂ are intended to represent that each of the two phenyl groups of the diphenyl skeleton may contain further linearly or angularly annellated benzene rings, p represents an integer from 1 to 3 and W₄ denotes an α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, phenyl, diphenylyl-4, pyridyl-3, thienyl-2 or furyl-2 residue, with the residue W₄ containing 1 to 2 substituents Q₁ having the significance of a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, an alkyl group containing more than 1 carbon atom, a dialkylamino group or a methylenedioxy group, and n denotes an integer from 1 to 2, and wherein the free positions of the diphenyl nucleus may be occupied by substituents of the 1st. order which are free of atoms which are replaceable by alkali metal.

(f) New compounds of formula ##STR35## wherein Z₁ represents hydrogen or phenyl, and W₇ represents a β-naphthyl, (methylenedioxy-3,4)-phenyl or a phenyl residue ##STR36## wherein R_(z) denotes an alkyl group containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a phenoxy group, R_(y) represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, p denotes the numbers 1 to 3.

(g) New and known substances of formula ##STR37## wherein the symbols D₁ and D₂ represent a hydrogen atom or a phenyl or diphenylyl-4 residue, and the symbol E₁ denotes that at each of the rings of the naphthyl nucleus there may be further condensed-on linearly or angularly annellated benzene rings which may in turn carry phenyl or diphenylyl-4 residues, r and s represent the numbers 1 to 4 to the extent that positions are still available, W₄ denotes an α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, phenyl, diphenylyl-4, pyridyl-3, thienyl-2 or furyl-2 residue with the residue W₄ containing 1 to 2 substituents Q₁ having the significance of a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group, a halogen atoms, an alkyl group containing more than 1 carbon atom, a dialkylamino group or a methylenedioxy group, n denotes an integer from 1 to 2 and wherein the free positions of the naphthalene nucleus may be occupied by substituents of the 1st. order which are free of atoms which are replaceable by alkali metal.

(h) New compounds of the formula ##STR38## wherein W₁₂ denotes diphenylyl-4, pyrenyl-1, (4-phenoxy)phenyl or a phenyl residue containing 1 to 3 alkoxy groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(i) New and known substances of the formula ##STR39## wherein, in this formula X denotes a bridge member of the series --CH═CH--, --CH═CH--CH═CH--, --C.tbd.C--, the symbols G₁ and G₂ represent hydrogen atoms or phenyl groups, r and s each represents an integer from 1 to 3 and the symbols K₁ and K₂ are intended to represent that each of the two phenyl groups of the formula can contain further linearly or angularly annellated benzene rings, W₄ denotes an α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, phenyl, diphenylyl-4, pyridyl-3, thienyl-2 or furyl-2 residue with the residue W₄ containing 1 to 2 substituents Q₁ having the significance of a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, an alkyl group containing more than 1 carbon atom, a dialkylamino group or a methylenedioxy group, and n denotes an integer from 1 to 2, and wherein the free positions of the phenyl nucleus may be occupied by substituents of the 1st. order which are free of atoms which are replaceable by alkali metal.

(k) New compounds of formula ##STR40## wherein W₉ represents an α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, diphenyl-4, thienyl-2, pyridyl-3, (methylenedioxy-3,4)-phenyl or a phenyl residue ##STR41## wherein R_(x) denotes halogen, an allyl group containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms, a phenoxy group or an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R_(y) represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms and p represents the numbers 1 to 3, R₆ denotes hydrogen, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, and R₅ represents or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(l) New compounds of formula ##STR42## wherein R₅ denotes hydrogen or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R₈ denotes phenyl or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(m) New compounds of formula ##STR43## wherein Z₂ denotes hydrogen or a residue W₁₁ --CH═CH--, and W₁₁ represents α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, diphenylyl-4 or a phenyl group of formula ##STR44## wherein R_(v) denotes halogen, an alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(n) New Compounds, according to Claim 32, of formula ##STR45## wherein X₁ denotes a linkage member --CH═CH-- or --C.tbd.C-- and W₉ ' represents α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, diphenylyl-4, thienyl-2, (methylenedioxy-3,4)-phenyl or a phenyl residue ##STR46## wherein R_(x) denotes halogen, an alkyl group containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms, a phenoxy group or an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R_(y) represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms and p represents the numbers 1 to 3.

(o) New and known substances of formula ##STR47## wherein the styryl residues of this formula are preferably located in the 4,4'-position of the diphenyl nucleus, Q₂ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a chlorine atom or a methylenedioxy group, R₁ represents hydrogen or other substituents of the 1st. order which are free of atoms which are replaceable by alkali metal and n denotes an integer from 1 to 2.

(p) New compounds of formula ##STR48## wherein W₄ ' represents an α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, diphenylyl-4, (methylenedioxy-3,4)-phenyl or a phenyl residue ##STR49## wherein R_(z) denotes an alkyl group containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a phenoxy group, R_(y) represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and p denotes the numbers 1 to 3 and n represents the numbers 1 or 2.

(q) New compounds of formula ##STR50## wherein W₄ " represents phenyl, α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, diphenylyl-4 or a phenyl group which may contain 1 to 3 alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(r) New and known substances of formula ##STR51## wherein the residues --CH═CH--W₅ are preferably located in the 2,6-positions and W₅ denotes a phenyl, α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl or thienyl-2 residue which may contain still further substituents, preferably 1 to 2 in number, of the group of halogen, alkyl, alkoxy and alkylamino having in each case up to 18 carbon atoms, a phenyl residue which is optionally substituted by the substituents listed above, or a condensed-on hydroaromatic carbocyclic 6-membered ring or methylenedioxy ring.

(s) New compounds of formula ##STR52## wherein the residues W₅ ' occupy the positions 2:3, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6 or 1:7 and W₅ ' represents an α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, diphenylyl-4, thienyl-2 or a phenyl residue ##STR53## wherein R_(x) denotes halogen, an alkyl group containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms, a phenoxy group or an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R_(y) represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, p represents the numbers 1 to 3.

(t) New compounds of formula ##STR54## wherein W₅ ' represents diphenylyl-4, α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, thienyl-2 or a phenyl residue ##STR55## wherein R_(z) denotes an alkyl group containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a phenoxy group, R_(y) represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, p denotes the numbers 1 to 3 and n represents the numbers 1 or 2.

(u) New and known substances of formula ##STR56## wherein W₄ denotes an α-naphthyl or β-naphthyl, phenyl, diphenylyl-4, pyridyl-3, thienyl-2 or furyl-2 residue with the residue W₄ containing 1 to 2 substituents Q₁ having the significance of a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, an alkyl group containing more than 1 carbon atom, a dialkylamino group or a methylenedioxy group, and n denotes an integer from 1 to 2, and R₃ represents halogen or phenyl.

(v) New compounds of formula ##STR57## wherein W₆ represents phenyl, α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, diphenylyl-4, thienyl-2, pyridyl-3, (methylenedioxy-3,4)phenyl or a phenyl residue ##STR58## wherein R_(x) denotes halogen, an alkyl group containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms, a phenoxy group of an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R_(y) represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms and p represents the numbers 1 to 3.

(w) New compounds of formula ##STR59## wherein R₅ represents hydrogen or an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms and n denotes the numbers 1 or 2.

(x) New and known substances of formula ##STR60## wherein Q₁ denotes a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, an alkyl group containing more than 1 carbon atom, a dialkylamino group or a methylenedioxy group, n denotes an integer of from 1 to 2, and W₄ denotes an α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl phenyl, diphenylyl-4, pyridyl-3, thienyl-2 or furyl-2 residue, with the residue W₄ containing 1 to 2 substituents Q₁ having the significance of a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom an alkyl group containing more than 1 carbon atom, a dialkylamino group or a methylenedioxy group and n denoting an integer from 1 to 2, R₂ represents hydrogen and the residue --CH═CH--W₄ if preferably located in the p-position to the stilbene double bond.

(y) New aromatic compounds of general formula ##STR61## wherein Q₁ denotes a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, an alkyl group containing more than 1 carbon atom, a dialkylamino group or a methylenedioxy group, n denotes an integer from 1 to 2, R₂ denotes hydrogen, W₄ denotes an α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, diphenylyl-4, pyridyl-3, thienyl-2 or furyl-2 residue with the residue W₄ containing 1 or 2 substituents Q₁ having the significance of a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group or a halogen atom, an alkyl group containing more than 1 carbon atom, a dialkylamino group or a methylenedioxy group, and n denotes an integer from 1 to 2, with the residue ##STR62## according to the above formula being different from W₄.

(z₁) New compounds of formula ##STR63## wherein W₈ represents α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, thienyl-2, pyridyl-3, (methylenedioxy-3,4)-phenyl or a phenyl residue ##STR64## wherein R_(w) denotes halogen, an alkyl group containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms or a phenoxy group, R_(y) represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms and u represents the numbers 0, 2 or 3, R₅ represents hydrogen or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R₆ represents hydrogen, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a phenyl group.

(z₂) New compounds of formula ##STR65## wherein R₇ represents an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and p represents the numbers 1, 2 or 3.

As regards the possibilities of substitution in these abovementioned substances, the rules are completely analogous to what has been explained in more detail in describing the starting substances. From the specific point of view of usability as optical brightening agents, substitution by non-chromophoric substituents is of especial importance.

Amongst the large number of possible non-chromophoric substituents in the abovementioned formulae, there may for example be mentioned, as being for practical purposes of predominant interest, halogen, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, cycloalkyl groups, aralkyl groups, phenyl groups, hydroxyl groups, amino groups, carboxyl groups as well as their substitutive and functional derivatives. Herein it goes without saying that such non-chromophoric substituents as do not meet the requirements according to the general substituent definition, whilst having to be excluded in the starting substances, can on the other hand be undoubtedly present in the reaction end products, by being subsequently introduced according to methods which are in themselves know. Amongst substitutive or functional derivatives of such non-chromophoric groups as are indicated above, there may be quoted as examples: halogenalky, hydroxyalkyl, cyanalkyl, carboxyalkyl and phenylalkyl groups; carboxylic acid esters, amides, halides, nitriles and hydrazides; alkoxy, aralkoxy, phenoxy or hydroxyalkoxy groups; alkylated, arylated or acylated amino groups, amino groups substituted by 1,3,5-triazinyl residues, and the like.

The compounds which can be manufactured according to the new process may serve as intermediates for syntheses of the most diverse nature, for example for the manufacture of dyestuffs and pharmaceuticals. These compounds may also be modified by the introduction of further substituents according to methods which are in themselves known, for example the introduction of chloromethyl groups, oxidation of methyl groups, halogenation and the like.

A large number of compounds which fall under formulae (29) to (63) may-- to the extent that they show a blue to violet fluorescence-- be used as optical brighteners. Such a fluorescence which can be utilised for purposes of optical brightening is generally present if emission maxima lie within the range of about 410 to 450 mμ. Amongst the new compounds obtainable according to this process, those compounds should especially be highlighted as optical brighteners which correspond to formulae (43), (47), (48), (50), (56), (58), (61), (62) or (63). In addition, the general formulae further comprise a large number of optically brightening compounds which are currently of lesser practical importance, for example compounds of formulae (275), (276) or (282).

The types of compounds which have been highlighted above as regards their brightener action possess a more or less pronounced fluorescence in the dissolved or finely divided state. They are suitable for the optical brightening of the most diverse organic materials of natural or synthetic origin, or of materials containing such organic substances for which an optical brightening is to be considered. The following groups of organic materials may for example be mentioned as such materials, without the list which follows being intended to express any restriction thereof.

I. synthetic organic high molecular materials such as

(A) Polymerisation products based on organic compounds containing at least one polymerisable carbon-carbon double bond (homopolymers or copolymers as well as their post-treatment products such as crosslinking products, grafting products or degradation products, polymer dilutions and the like), for which the followng may be mentioned by way of example: polymers based on α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids (for example acrylic compounds), on olefine hydrocarbons, on vinyl and vinylidene compounds, on halogenated hydrocarbons, on unsaturated aldehydes and ketones, allyl compounds and the like; furthermore, polymerisation products such as are obtainable by ring opening (for example polyamides of the polycaprolactam type), and furthermore formaldehyde polymers, or polymers which are obtainable both by polyaddition and also polycondensation, such as polythioethers, polyacetals and thioplastics.

(B) Polycondensation products or pre-condensates based on bifunctional or polyfunctional compounds having groups capable of condensation, their homocondensation or co-condensation products, as well as products of post-treatment (for example polyesters, saturated and unsaturated, unbranched as well as branched), polyamides, maleate resins, their pre-condensates and products of analogous structure, polycarbonates, silicone resins and others;

(C) polyaddition producrs such as polyurethanes (cross-linked and un-croslinked), and epoxide resins.

Ii. semi-synthetic organic materials such as for example cellulose esters, nitrocellulose, cellulose ethers, regenerated cellulose or their post-treatment products, and casein plastics.

Iii. natural organic materials of animal or vegetable origin, for example based on cellulose or proteins such as wool, cotton, silk, leather, finely divided wood compositions, natural resins, and furthermore rubber, guttapercha, balata as well as their post-treatment products and modification products.

The possible organic materials may be present in the most diverse processing states (raw materials, semi-finished goods or finished goods) and states of aggregation. They may, on the one hand, be present in the form of the most diverse shaped structures, for example as sheets, profiles, injection mouldings, chips, granules or foams; films, foils, lacquers, bands, coverings, impregnations and coatings or filaments, fibres, flocks, bristles and wires. The materials mentioned may on the other hand also be present in unshaped states in the most diverse homogeneous and inhomogeneous forms of division and states of aggregation, for example as powders, solutions, emulsions, dispersions, sols, gels, putties, pastes, waxes, adhesives and trowelling compositions and the like.

Fibre materials may for example be present as endless filaments, staple fibres, flocks, hanks, yarns, threads, fibre fleeces, felts, waddings, flocked structures, textile woven fabrics or laminates, knitted fabrics as well as paper, cardboards or paper compositions and the like.

For use as brighteners, these compounds may be added to the materials mentioned before or during shaping. Thus they may for example, when manufacturing films or other shaped articles, be added to the moulding composition or dissolved, dispersed or otherwise finely divided in the spinning composition before spinning. The optical brighteners may also be added to the starting substances, reaction mixtures or intermediates for the manufacture of fully synthetic or semi-synthetic organic materials, that is to say also before or during the chemical reaction, for example in the case of a polycondensation, a polymerisation or a polyaddition.

The new optical brighteners may of course also be employed in all cases where organic materials of the nature indicated above are combined with inorganic materials in any form. They are distinguished by a particularly good heat stability, fastness to light and migration resistance.

The amount of the new optical brighteners to be used, relative to the material to be optically brightened, may vary within wide limits. A distinct and durable effect can already be achieved with very small quantities, in certain cases for example quantities of 0.001% by weight. It is however also possible to employ quantities of up to 0.5% by weight and above. For most practical purpose, amounts of between 0.01 and 0.2% by weight are preferably of interest.

The compounds serving as brighteners may for example also be employed as follows: (a) mixed with dyestuffs or pigments or as an additive to dye baths, and printing, etching or reserve pastes. Furthermore also for the post-treatment of dyeings, prints or discharge prints, (b) mixed with so-called "carriers", anti-oxidants, light protected agents, heat stabilisers, chemical bleaching agents, or as an additive to bleaching baths, (c) mixed with crosslinking agents, finishing agents such as starch or synthetically accessible finishes, (d) in combination with detergents, wherein the detergents and brighteners may be separately added to the wash baths to be used, or wherein advantageously detergents are used which contain the admixed brightener, (e) in combination with polymeric carriers (polymerisation, polycondensation or polyaddition products) in which the brighteners are introduced in a dissolved or dispersed form, optionally along with other substances, (f) as additives to the most diverse industrial products in order to make these more marketable or to avoid disadvantages in usability, for example as an additive to glues, adhesives, paints and the like, and (g) in combination with optical brighteners of other constitutions.

The compounds which have been highlighted as optical brighteners can also be used as scintillators, for various purposes of a photographic nature such as for electrophotographic reproduction or for super-sensitisation. Above all the compounds which absorb in the short-wave range are suitable as scintillators, ultra-violet absorbers or for electrophotographic purposes. On the other hand the compounds which absorb in the long-wave range represent good fluorescence dyestuffs.

For example, the compounds according to the general formulae (102), (107), (119), (158), (282) or (360) may be used as scintillators whilst for example the compounds according to general formulae (202), (203), (246), (252), (271), (275) or (276) represent good fluorescence dyestuffs.

As examples of compounds which may serve as ultraviolet absorbers, those of general formulae (207) and (208) may be mentioned.

In the tables which follow below, the columns denote:

Column i=formula number

Column ii=structural elements

Column iii=melting points (uncorrected) in ° C.

EXAMPLE 1

2.65 g of o-xylene, 10.56 g of 4'-methoxy-benzalaniline and 11.2 g of potassium tertiary-butylate are stirred in 200 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide with exclusion of air, whereupon a brown colouration is produced. The temperature is brought to 90° C. over the course of 30 minutes and the mixture is stirred for 1 hour at 90° to 95° C. and thereafter cooled to room temperature. 150 ml of water and 150 ml of 10% strength aqueous hydrochloric acid are now successively added dropwise. The precipitated reaction product is fltered, washed with a large amount of water and thereafter with 200 ml of methanol and dried: 4.1g (48% of theory) of 1,2-di-(4'-methoxy-styryl)-benzene of formula ##STR66## in the form of a light beige powder, melting point 122° to 123° C. Three recrystallisations from dioxane-ethanol-water (active charcoal) yields 3.0 g (35.1% of theory) of colourless felted small needles of melting point 124.5° to 125° C. Analysis: C₂₄ H₂₂ O₂. Calculated: C 84.17, H 6.47, N 9.35; found: C 84.00, H 6.43, N 9.32.

The 1,2-distytyl-benzene derivatives of formula ##STR67## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner from o-xylene:

    ______________________________________                                                           II                                                           I       R.sub.1   R.sub.2    R.sub.3 III                                       ______________________________________                                         103     H         H          H       118-118.5                                 104     H                                                                                         ##STR68## H       204-206                                   105     OCH.sub.3 OCH.sub.3  H       174-174.5                                 106     OCH.sub.3 OCH.sub.3  OCH.sub.3                                                                              160-160.5                                 ______________________________________                                    

the 1,3-distyryl-benzene derivatives of formula ##STR69## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner from m-xylene:

    ______________________________________                                                           II                                                           I       R.sub.1   R.sub.2   R.sub.3 III                                        ______________________________________                                         108     H         --OCH.sub.3                                                                              H        224-224.5                                 109     --OCH.sub.3                                                                              --OCH.sub.3                                                                              H       178.5-179                                  110     --OCH.sub.3                                                                              --OCH.sub.3                                                                              --OCH.sub.3                                                                            136.5-137                                  ______________________________________                                    

The 1,4-distyryl-benzene derivatives of formula ##STR70## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner from p-xylene:

    ______________________________________                                                           II                                                           I       R.sub.1   R.sub.2   R.sub.3 III                                        ______________________________________                                         112     H         --OCH.sub.3                                                                              H       308-309                                    113     --OCH.sub.3                                                                              --OCH.sub.3                                                                              H       266-267                                    114     --OCH.sub.3                                                                              --OCH.sub.3                                                                              --OCH.sub.3                                                                            203-204                                    ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 2

2.0 g of 1,3,4-trimethylbenzene, 15.8 g of 4'-methoxybenzalaniline and 11.2 g of potassium tertiary-butylate are reacted in 150 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide in accordance with the data of example 1: 2.95 g (37.4% of theory) of 1,3,4-tri-(4'-methoxy-styryl)-benzene of formula ##STR71## in the form of a light yellow powder, melting point 165° to 167° C. Two recrystallisations from isopropanol (active charcoal) yield 2.0 g (25.3% of theory) of light greenish-tinged yellow, felted small needles of melting point 173° 173.5° C. Analysis: C₃₃ H₃₀ O₃. Calculated: C 83.51, H 6.37, O 10.11; found: C 83.52, H 6.10, O 10.29.

The 1,3,4-tristyryl-benzene derivatives of formula ##STR72## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner from 1,3,4-trimethylbenzene:

    ______________________________________                                                II                                                                      I        R.sub.1     R.sub.2     III                                           ______________________________________                                         117      H           H           187-187.5                                     118      --OCH.sub.3 --OCH.sub.3 196-196.5                                     ______________________________________                                    

The 1,3,5-tristyryl-benzene derivatives of formula ##STR73## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner from 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene

    ______________________________________                                                II                                                                      I        R.sub.1     R.sub.2     III                                           ______________________________________                                         120      H           H           203-203.5                                     121      H           --OCH.sub.3 161-161.5                                     122      --OCH.sub.3 --OCH.sub.3 148-148.5                                     ______________________________________                                    

The 1,2,3,4-tetra-(4'-methoxy-styryl)-benzene of formula ##STR74## can be manufactured in a similar manner from 1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene and 4'-methoxy-benzalaniline: light greenish-tinged yellow fine felted small needles from xylene; melting point 238° to 239° C. Analysis: C₄₂ H₃₈ O₄. Calculated: C 83.14, H 6.31, O 10.55; found: C 83.46, H 6.38, O 10.50.

EXAMPLE 3

1.68 g of 4-methyl-biphenyl,, 1.81 g of benzalaniline and 2.24 g of potassium tertiary-butylate are stirred in 80 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide with exclusion of air, whereupon a reddish-brown clear solution is produced. The temperature is brought to 90° C. over the course of 30 minutes and the mixture is stirred for 1 hour at 90° to 95° C. and thereafter cooled to room temperature. 70 ml of water and 60 ml of 10% strength aqueous hydrochloric acid are now successively added dropwise. The precipitated reaction product is filtered off, washed with a large amount of water and thereafter with 80 ml of methanol and dried: 2.1 g (82.0% of theory) of 4-styryl-biphenyl of formula ##STR75## in the form of a light beige powder, melting point 221.5° to 222° C. Two recrystallisations from dioxane-ethanol (active charcoal) yield 1.7 g (66.4% of theory) of colourless glistening platelets and small needles of melting point222.5° to 223° C.

Analysis: C₂₀ H₁₆. Calculated C 93.71, H 6.29; found: C 93.94, H 6.37.

The 4-styryl-biphenyl derivative of formula ##STR76## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                 II                                                                     I       R                    III                                               ______________________________________                                         126                                                                                     ##STR77##           237-238                                           127                                                                                     ##STR78##           183.5-184                                         128                                                                                     ##STR79##           153-154                                           129                                                                                     ##STR80##           213-214                                           130                                                                                     ##STR81##           307-308                                           131                                                                                     ##STR82##           188.5-189                                         132                                                                                     ##STR83##             174-174.5                                       133                                                                                     ##STR84##           231-232                                           134                                                                                     ##STR85##           222-223                                           ______________________________________                                    

the 4-styryl-p-terphenyl derivatives of formula ##STR86## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner from 4-methyl-p-terphenyl:

    ______________________________________                                                 II                                                                     I       R                    III                                               ______________________________________                                         136                                                                                     ##STR87##           315-316                                           137                                                                                     ##STR88##           327-328                                           138                                                                                     ##STR89##           367-368                                           139                                                                                     ##STR90##           278-279                                           140                                                                                     ##STR91##           312-313                                           141                                                                                     ##STR92##           223-225                                           ______________________________________                                    

example 4

2.30 g of 4,4'-dimethyl-biphenyl, 8.1 g of 4'-methoxybenzalaniline and 5.6 g of potassium tertiary-butylate are reacted in 150 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide in accordance with the data of example 3: 4.9 g (94.3% of theory) of 4,4'-di-(4"-methoxy-styryl)-biphenyl of formula ##STR93## in the form of a light yellow powder, melting point 353° to 354° C. Three recrystallisations from o-dichlorobenzene (active charcoal) yield 3.1 g (59.6% of theory) of light greenish-tinged yellow fine glistening small needles of melting point 357° to 358° C.

Analysis: C₃₀ H₂₆ O₂. Calculated: C 86.09, H 6.26, O 7.65; found: C 86.09, H 6.44, O 7.74.

The 4,4'-distyryl-biphenyl derivatives of formula ##STR94## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                 II                                                                     I       R                    III                                               ______________________________________                                         144                                                                                     ##STR95##           330-331                                           145                                                                                     ##STR96##           318-319                                           146                                                                                     ##STR97##           > 400                                             147                                                                                     ##STR98##           346-347                                           148                                                                                     ##STR99##           321-322                                           149                                                                                     ##STR100##          234-235                                           150                                                                                     ##STR101##          319-320                                           151                                                                                     ##STR102##          360-361                                           152                                                                                     ##STR103##          274-275                                           ______________________________________                                    

the 4,4"-distyryl-p-terphenyl derivatives of formula ##STR104## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner from 4,4"-dimethyl-p-terphenyl:

    ______________________________________                                                 II                                                                     I       R                    III                                               ______________________________________                                         154                                                                                     ##STR105##          > 380                                             155                                                                                     ##STR106##          > 380                                             156                                                                                     ##STR107##          > 380                                             157                                                                                     ##STR108##          331-332                                           ______________________________________                                    

the 1,3,5-tristilbenyl-benzene derivatives of formula ##STR109## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner from 1,3,5-tri-(p-tolyl)-benzene.

    ______________________________________                                                 II                                                                     I       R                    III                                               ______________________________________                                         159                                                                                     ##STR110##          212-212.5                                         160                                                                                     ##STR111##          219-220                                           161                                                                                     ##STR112##          171-171.5                                         162                                                                                     ##STR113##          167.5-168                                         163                                                                                     ##STR114##          349-350                                           164                                                                                     ##STR115##          269-270                                           165                                                                                     ##STR116##          276-277                                           ______________________________________                                    

example 5

4.85 g of 4-methyl-stilbene, 4.54 g of benzalaniline and 12.5 g of potassium hydroxide powder containing about 10% of water are stirred in 150 ml of dimethylformamide with exclusion of air, whereupon a dark blue colouration is produced. The temperature is brought to 90° C. over the course of 30 minutes and the mixture is stirred for a further 1 hour at 90° to 95° C., whereupon the reaction product is produced in a crystalline form. After cooling to room temperature 100 ml of water and 150 ml of 10% strength aqueous hydrochloric acid are successively added dropwise. The product is filtered off, first washed with a large amount of water and thereafter with 300 ml of methanol, and dried. 6.4 g (90.7% of theory) of 1,4-distyryl-benzene of formula ##STR117## in the form of a light yellow powder, melting point 265° to 265.5° C. Three recrystallisations from xylene (active charcoal) yield 5.9 g (83.6% of theory) of pale greenish-tinged yellow felted small needles of melting point 265.5° C.

Analysis: C₂₂ H₁₈. Calculated: C 93.57, H 6.43; found: C 93.37, H 6.42.

The 1,4-distyryl-benzene derivatives of formula ##STR118## listed in the Table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    __________________________________________________________________________                        II                                                          I  R               R.sub.1                                                                               R.sub.2                                                                             III                                             __________________________________________________________________________     168                                                                                ##STR119##     H      H    277-278                                         169                                                                                ##STR120##     H      H    235-236                                         170                                                                                ##STR121##     H      H    274-275                                         171                                                                                ##STR122##     H      H    221-222                                         172                                                                                ##STR123##     H      H    205-205.5                                       173                                                                                ##STR124##     H      H    246-247                                         174                                                                                ##STR125##     H      H    318-319                                         175                                                                                ##STR126##     H      H    266-267                                         176                                                                                ##STR127##     H      H    178.5-179                                       177                                                                                ##STR128##     H      H    245-246                                         178                                                                                ##STR129##     H      H    258-259                                         179                                                                                ##STR130##     H      H    234-235                                         180                                                                                ##STR131##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    274-275                                         181                                                                                ##STR132##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    269-271                                         182                                                                                ##STR133##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    306-307                                         183                                                                                ##STR134##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    235-236                                         184                                                                                ##STR135##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    199.5-200                                       185                                                                                ##STR136##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    272-273                                         186                                                                                ##STR137##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    334-335                                         187                                                                                ##STR138##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    287-288                                         188                                                                                ##STR139##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    197.5-198                                       189                                                                                ##STR140##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    260-261                                         190                                                                                ##STR141##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             OCH.sub.3                                                                           227-228                                         191                                                                                ##STR142##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             OCH.sub.3                                                                           219-220                                         192                                                                                ##STR143##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             OCH.sub.3                                                                           284-285                                         193                                                                                ##STR144##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             OCH.sub.3                                                                           161-161.5                                       194                                                                                ##STR145##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             OCH.sub.3                                                                           190-190.5                                       195                                                                                ##STR146##                                                                                     ##STR147##                                                                           H    317-318                                         196                                                                                ##STR148##                                                                                     ##STR149##                                                                           H    322-323                                         197                                                                                ##STR150##                                                                                     ##STR151##                                                                           H    331-332                                         198                                                                                ##STR152##                                                                                     ##STR153##                                                                           H    372-373                                         199                                                                                ##STR154##                                                                                     ##STR155##                                                                           H    320-321                                         200                                                                                ##STR156##                                                                                     ##STR157##                                                                           H    247-248                                         __________________________________________________________________________

example 6

4.77 g of 4'-methyl-stibene-4-carboxylic acid, 3.70 g of benzalaniline and 11.2 g of potassium tertiary-butylate in 150 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide are stirred with exclusion of air, whereupon a violet colouration is produced. The temperature is raised to 60° C. over the course of 30 minutes, and the mixture is stirred for one hour at 60° to 65° C. and cooled to room temperature. 100 ml of water and 140 ml of 10% strength aqueos hydrochloric acid are now successively added dropwise. The precipitated reaction product is filtered off, washed with a large amount of water and then with 200 ml of methanol, and dried: 6.1 g (93.5% of theory) of 1-styryl-4-(4'-carboxy-styryl)-benzene of formula ##STR158## in the form of a yellow powder melting above 340° C. Three recrystallisations from dimethylformamide (active charcoal) yield 2.6 g (39.8% of theory) of light greenish-tinged yellow very fine crystals.

Analysis: C₂₃ H₁₈ O₂. Calculated: C 84.64, H 5.56, O 9.80; found: C 84.04, H 5.58, O 10.10.

EXAMPLE 7

3.68 g of 9-(4'-methyl-styryl)-anthracene, 2.4 g of benzalaniline and 6.25 g of potassium hydroxide powder containing about 10% of water are reacted in 100 ml of dimethylformamide according to the data of Example 5: 2.8 g (58.6% of theory) of the compound of formula ##STR159## as a yellow powder, melting point 205° to 207° C. Two recrystallisations from xylene (active charcoal) yield 0.7 g (14.7% of theory) of greenish-tinged yellow glistening small needles and platelets of melting point 224° to 225° C.

Analysis: C₃₀ H₂₂. Calculated: C 94.20, H 5.80; found: C 94.19, H 5.78.

The compounds of formula ##STR160## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                 II                                                                     I         R.sub.1     R.sub.2     III                                          ______________________________________                                         204       H           --OCH.sub.3 228-229                                      205       --OCH.sub.3 --OCH.sub.3 201-201.5                                    ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 8

8.1 g of the compound of formula ##STR161## 6.3 g of 4'-methoxy-benzalaniline and 6.7 g of potassium tertiary-butylate are reacted in 300 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide in accordance with the data of Example 3: 9.9 g (84.9% of theory) of the compound of formula ##STR162## in the form of a light yellow powder, melting point 159° to 160° C. Two recrystallisations from dioxane/ethanol yield 6.9 g (59.2% of theory) of light greenish-tinged yellow very fine crystals of melting point 158° to 158.5° C.

Analysis: C₂₉ H₂₄ O. Calculated: C 89.65, H 6.23, O 4.12; found: C 89.69, H 6.17, O 4.24.

The compounds of formula ##STR163## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                  II                                                                    I        R                 III                                                 ______________________________________                                         209                                                                                      ##STR164##       145.5-146                                           210                                                                                      ##STR165##       213-213.5                                           211                                                                                      ##STR166##       165-165.5                                           212                                                                                      ##STR167##       163.5-164                                           ______________________________________                                    

example 9

4.81 g of 4-methyl-tolane, 4.54 g of benzalaniline and 12.5 g of potassium hydroxide powder containing about 10% of water are reacted in 150 ml of dimethylformamide according to the data of Example 5: 6.0 g (84.7% of theory) of 4-styryl-tolane of formula ##STR168## as a pale yellow powder, melting point 214° to 215° C. Three recrystallisations from xylene (active charcoal) yield 4.75 g (67.1% of theory) of pale greenish-tinged yellow very fine felted crystals of melting point 214.5°to 215° C.

Analysis: C₂₂ H₁₆. Calculated: C 94.25, H 5.75; found: C 94.55, H 5.78.

The styryltolane derivative of formula ##STR169## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    __________________________________________________________________________     II                                                                             I  R               R.sub.1                                                                               R.sub.2                                                                             III                                             __________________________________________________________________________     215                                                                                ##STR170##     H      H    215.5-216                                       216                                                                                ##STR171##     H      H    186.5-187                                       217                                                                                ##STR172##     H      H    141-141.5                                       218                                                                                ##STR173##     H      H    210-211                                         219                                                                                ##STR174##     H      H    276.5-277.5                                     220                                                                                ##STR175##     H      H    224-225                                         221                                                                                ##STR176##     H      H    135-135.5                                       222                                                                                ##STR177##     H      H    195.5-196                                       223                                                                                ##STR178##     H      H    201.5-202                                       224                                                                                ##STR179##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    211-211.5                                       225                                                                                ##STR180##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    264-265                                         226                                                                                ##STR181##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    256-257                                         227                                                                                ##STR182##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    279-280                                         228                                                                                ##STR183##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    247-248                                         229                                                                                ##STR184##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    154.5-155.5                                     230                                                                                ##STR185##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    205.5-206                                       231                                                                                ##STR186##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             H    211-211.5                                       232                                                                                ##STR187##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             OCH.sub.3                                                                           178.5-179                                       233                                                                                ##STR188##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             OCH.sub.3                                                                           202-203                                         234                                                                                ##STR189##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             OCH.sub.3                                                                           237-238                                         235                                                                                ##STR190##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             OCH.sub.3                                                                           241-242                                         236                                                                                ##STR191##     OCH.sub.3                                                                             OCH.sub.3                                                                           152-153                                         237                                                                                ##STR192##                                                                                     ##STR193##                                                                           H    269-270                                         238                                                                                ##STR194##                                                                                     ##STR195##                                                                           H    256-257                                         239                                                                                ##STR196##                                                                                     ##STR197##                                                                           H    269-270                                         240                                                                                ##STR198##                                                                                     ##STR199##                                                                           H    241-242                                         241                                                                                ##STR200##                                                                                     ##STR201##                                                                           H    332-333                                         242                                                                                ##STR202##                                                                                     ##STR203##                                                                           H    281.5-282.5                                     243                                                                                ##STR204##                                                                                     ##STR205##                                                                           H    218.5-219.5                                     __________________________________________________________________________

example 10

4.4 g of 1-phenyl-4-(p-tolyl)-butadiene of formula ##STR206## 3.7 g of benzalaniline and 10.0 g of potassium hydroxide powder containing about 10% of water are reacted in 150 ml of dimethylformamide with exclusion of air for one hour at 60 to 65° C. and are worked up according to the data of Example 5: 5.55 g (89.6% of theory) of 1-phenyl-4-(stilben-4'-yl)-butadiene of formula ##STR207## in the form of yellow platelets, melting point 261° to 262° C. Three recrystallisations from xylene (active charcoal) yield 4.5 g (72.5% of theory) of yellow glistening platelets and small needles of melting point 267° C.

Analysis: C₂₄ H₂₀. Calculated: C 93.46, H 6.54; found: C 93.55, H 6.73.

The 1-phenyl-4-stilbenyl-butadiene derivatives of formula ##STR208## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                   II                                                                   I         R                  III                                               ______________________________________                                         247                                                                                       ##STR209##        271-272                                           248                                                                                       ##STR210##        313-314                                           249                                                                                       ##STR211##        280-281                                           250                                                                                       ##STR212##        208-208.5                                         ______________________________________                                    

example 11

5.21 g of 4,4'-dimethyl-stilbene, 9.1 g of benzalaniline and 12.5 g of potassium hydroxide powder containing about 10% of water are reacted in 200 ml of dimethylformamide according to the data of Example 5: 9.0 g (93.8% of theory) of 4,4'-distyryl-stilbene of formula ##STR213## as a light yellow powder, melting point 338° to 343° C. After three recrystallisations from o-dichlorobenzene (active charcoal) 5.7 g (59.6% of theory) of greenish-tinged yellow very fine felted small needles of melting point 356° to 357° C. are obtained.

Analysis: C₃₀ H₂₄. Calculated: C 93.71, H 6.29; found: C 93.93, H 6.37.

The 4,4'-distyryl-stilbene derivatives of formula ##STR214## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                   II                                                                   I         R                  III                                               ______________________________________                                         253                                                                                       ##STR215##        >320                                              254                                                                                       ##STR216##        353-354                                           255                                                                                       ##STR217##        294-295                                           ______________________________________                                    

example 12

5.16 g of 4,4'-dimethyl-tolane, 9.1 g of benzalaniline and 25 g of potassium hydroxide powder containing about 10% of water are reacted in 300 ml of dimethylformamide according to the data of Example 5: 9.1 g (95.2% of theory) of 4,4'-distyryl-tolane of formula ##STR218## as a light greenish-tinged yellow powder, melting point 315° to 317° C. Three recrystallisations from o-dichlorobenzene (active charcoal) and finally from xylene yield 7.85 g (82.2% of theory) of light greenish-tinged yellow very fine small needles of melting point 317° to 318° C.

Analysis: C₃₀ H₂₂. Calculated: C 94.20, H 5.80; found: C 94.50, H 5.85.

The 4,4'-distyryl-tolane derivatives of formula ##STR219## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                 II                                                                     I       R                    III                                               ______________________________________                                         258                                                                                     ##STR220##          335-336                                           259                                                                                     ##STR221##          305-306                                           260                                                                                     ##STR222##          325-326                                           261                                                                                     ##STR223##          311-312                                           262                                                                                     ##STR224##          203.5-204                                         263                                                                                     ##STR225##          332-333                                           264                                                                                     ##STR226##          387-389                                           265                                                                                     ##STR227##          303-304                                           266                                                                                     ##STR228##          360-361                                           267                                                                                     ##STR229##          254.5-255.5                                       268                                                                                     ##STR230##          315-316                                           269                                                                                     ##STR231##          316-317                                           ______________________________________                                    

example 13

2.93 g of 1,4-di-(p-tolyl)-butadiene, 4.6 g of benzalaniline and 12.5 g of potassium hydroxide powder containing about 10% of water are reacted in 150 ml of dimethylformamide for 30 minutes at 90° to 95° C. with exclusion of air and worked up according to the data of Example 5: 4.9 g (96.1% of theory) of 1,4-di-(stilben-4"-yl)-butadiene of formula ##STR232## as a yellow powder, melting point 338° to 342° C. Three recrystallisations from o-dichlorobenzene (active charcoal) yield 3.2 g (62.8% of theory) of yellow glistening small needles and platelets of melting point 341.5 to 343° C.

Analysis: C₃₂ H₂₆. Calculated: C 93.62, H 6.38; found: C 93.60, H 6.57.

The 1,4-distilbenyl-butadiene derivatives of formula ##STR233## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                  II                                                                    I        R                 III                                                 ______________________________________                                         272                                                                                      ##STR234##       323.5-324.5                                         273                                                                                      ##STR235##       293-294                                             ______________________________________                                    

example 14

2.88 g of 1,4-di-(p-tolyl)-butadiine of formula ##STR236## 6.5 g of 4'-phenyl-benzalaniline and 12.5 g of potassium hydroxide powder containing about 10% of water are stirred for 60 minutes at 60° to 65° C. with exclusion of air and worked up according to the data of Example 5: 5.6 g (80.2% of theory) of 1,4-di-(4'-phenyl-stilben-4"-yl)-butadiine of formula ##STR237## in the form of a brownish-tinged yellow powder, melting point 329° to 330° C. Three recrystallisations from o-dichlorobenzene (Fuller's earth) yield 2.7 g (38.7% of theory) of light yellow glistening felted small needles which melt at 333° C. with decomposition.

Analysis: C₄₄ H₃₀. Calculated: C 94.59, H 5.41; found: C 94.33, H 5.50.

The 1,4-distilbenyl-butadiine derivatives of formula ##STR238## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                     II                                                                 I           R             III                                                  ______________________________________                                         277                                                                                      ##STR239##      275-276                                                                        (Decomposition)                                      278                                                                                      ##STR240##      305                                                                            (Decomposition)                                      279                                                                                      ##STR241##      306-307                                                                        (Decomposition)                                      280                                                                                      ##STR242##      317-318                                                                        (Decomposition)                                      ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 15

7.1 g of 2-methyl-naphthlene, 9.1 g of benzalaniline and 11.2 g of potassium tertiary-butylate are stirred in 200 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide with exclusion of air, whereupon a brownish-red clear solution is produced. The temperature is brought to 60° C. over the course of 30 minutes and the mixture is stirred for one hour at 60° to 65° C. and thereafter cooled to room temperature. 150 ml of water and 130 ml of 10% strength aqueous hydrochloric acid are now successively added dropwise. The mixture is cooled to 10° C. and the precipitated reaction product is filtered off, washed with a large amount of water and then with 200 ml of methanol, and dried: 9.1 g (79.0% of theory) of 2-styryl-naphthalene of formula ##STR243## in the form of an almost colourless powder which melts at 147.5° to 148° C. Two recrystallisations from ethanol (active charcoal) yield 7.75 g (67.3% of theory) of colourless glistening platelets and small needles of melting point 148° to 148.5° C.

Analysis: C₁₈ H₁₄. Calculated: C 93.87, H 6.13; found: C 93.97, H 6.11.

The 2-styryl-naphthalene derivatives of formula ##STR244## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                     II                                                                 I           R                 III                                              ______________________________________                                         283                                                                                      ##STR245##          78.5-179                                         284                                                                                      ##STR246##          129-129.5                                        285                                                                                      ##STR247##          145.5-146                                        286                                                                                      ##STR248##          189-189.5                                        287                                                                                      ##STR249##          231-232                                          288                                                                                      ##STR250##          259-260                                          289                                                                                      ##STR251##          189.5-190                                        290                                                                                      ##STR252##          170-170.5                                        ______________________________________                                    

the 1-styryl-naphthalene derivatives of formula ##STR253## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner from 1-methyl-naphthalene: (reaction temperature: 90° to 95° C.).

    ______________________________________                                                     II                                                                 I           R                 III                                              ______________________________________                                         292                                                                                      ##STR254##          71.5-72                                          293                                                                                      ##STR255##          96-96.5                                          294                                                                                      ##STR256##          89.5-90                                          295                                                                                      ##STR257##          53.5-54                                          296                                                                                      ##STR258##          189-189.5                                        297                                                                                      ##STR259##          163-163.5                                        ______________________________________                                    

example 16

7.82 g of 2,6-dimethyl-naphthalene, 18.2 g of benzalaniline and 22.4 g of potassium tertiary-butylate are stirred in 300 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide with exclusion of air, whereupon a reddish-brown clear solution is produced. The temperature is brought to 90° C. over the course of 30 minutes and the mixture is stirred for one hour at 90° to 95° C. and thereafter cooled to room temperature. 150 ml of water and 150 ml of 10% strength aqueous hydrochloric acid are now successively added dropwise. The precipitated reaction product is filtered off, washed with a large amount of water and thereafter with 300 ml of methanol, and dried; 15.0 g (90.4% of theory) of 2,6-distyryl-naphthalene of formula ##STR260## in the form of a light greenish-tinged yellow powder. Melting point 292° to 293° C. Three recrystallisations from xylene (active charcoal) yield 11.3 g (68.2% of theory) of pale greenish-tinged yellow glistening small needles and platelets of melting point 292° to 293° C.

Analysis: C₂₆ H₂₀. Calculated: C 93.94, H 6.06; found: C 93.86, H 6.02.

If instead of the 22.4 g of potassium tertiary-butylate 21.6 g of sodium methylate are used and the reaction is carried out for one hour at 140° C., 8.0 g (48.2% of theory) of 2,6-distyryl-naphthalene of melting point 291° C. are obtained.

The distyryl-naphthalene derivatives and tristyryl-naphthalene derivatives listed in the tables which follow can be manufactured in a similar manner with potassium tertiary-butylate;

From 2,6-dimethyl-naphthalene, the 2,6-distyryl-naphthalene derivatives of formula

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR261##                   (299)                                                       II                                                                  I          R                 III                                               ______________________________________                                         300                                                                                      ##STR262##         287.5-288.5                                       301                                                                                      ##STR263##         315-316                                           302                                                                                      ##STR264##         260-261                                           303                                                                                      ##STR265##         247.5-248.5                                       304                                                                                      ##STR266##         316-317                                           305                                                                                      ##STR267##         373-374                                           306                                                                                      ##STR268##         364-365                                           307                                                                                      ##STR269##         264-265                                           308                                                                                      ##STR270##         299-300                                           ______________________________________                                    

from 2,3-dimethyl-naphthalene, the 2,3-distyryl-naphthalene derivatives of formula

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR271##                   (309)                                                       II                                                                  I          R                 III                                               ______________________________________                                         310                                                                                      ##STR272##         158-158.5                                         311                                                                                      ##STR273##         186-186.5                                         312                                                                                      ##STR274##         196.5-197                                         313                                                                                      ##STR275##         164-164.5                                         314                                                                                      ##STR276##         > 370                                             315                                                                                      ##STR277##         174.5-175                                         ______________________________________                                    

from 2,3,6-trimethyl-naphthalene, the 2,3,6-tristyryl-naphthalene derivatives of formula

    ______________________________________                                         (316)                                                                                 ##STR278##                                                                      II                                                                     I       R                    III                                               ______________________________________                                         317                                                                                     ##STR279##        206.5-207                                           318                                                                                     ##STR280##        205-205.5                                           319                                                                                     ##STR281##        204-204.5                                           ______________________________________                                    

from 1,3-dimethyl-naphthalene, the 1,3-distyryl-naphthalene derivative of formula

    ______________________________________                                         (320)                                                                                 ##STR282##                                                                      II                                                                     I       R                  III                                                 ______________________________________                                         321                                                                                     ##STR283##        117.5-118                                           322                                                                                     ##STR284##        131.5-132                                           323                                                                                     ##STR285##        172.5-173                                           ______________________________________                                    

from 1,4-dimethyl-naphthalene, the 1,4-distyryl-naphthalene derivatives of formula

    ______________________________________                                         (324)                                                                                 ##STR286##                                                                     II                                                                      I      R                      III                                              ______________________________________                                         325                                                                                    ##STR287##            185-185.5                                        326                                                                                    ##STR288##            166.5-167                                        327                                                                                    ##STR289##            171-171.5                                        ______________________________________                                    

from 1,5-dimethyl-naphthalene, the 1,5-distyryl-naphthalene derivatives of formula

    ______________________________________                                         (328)                                                                                 ##STR290##                                                                     II                                                                      I      R                      III                                              ______________________________________                                         329                                                                                    ##STR291##            190.5-191                                        330                                                                                    ##STR292##            235-236                                          331                                                                                    ##STR293##            212-213                                          332                                                                                    ##STR294##            215-215.5                                        333                                                                                    ##STR295##            317-318                                          334                                                                                    ##STR296##            282-283                                          ______________________________________                                    

from 1,6-dimethyl-naphthalene, the 1,6-distyryl-naphthalene derivatives of formula

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR297##                   (335)                                                   II                                                                      I      R                      III                                              ______________________________________                                         336                                                                                    ##STR298##              149-150                                        337                                                                                    ##STR299##            219.5-220                                        338                                                                                    ##STR300##            186.5-187                                        339                                                                                    ##STR301##            161.5-162                                        340                                                                                    ##STR302##              272-273                                        341                                                                                    ##STR303##            161.5-162                                        ______________________________________                                    

from 1,7-dimethyl-naphthalene, the 1,7-distyryl-naphthalene derivatives of formula

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR304##                   (342)                                                   II                                                                      I      R                      III                                              ______________________________________                                         343                                                                                    ##STR305##            242-243                                          344                                                                                    ##STR306##            290-291                                          345                                                                                    ##STR307##            262-263                                          ______________________________________                                    

example 17

1.92 g of 2-methylanthracene, 1.81 g of benzalaniline and 3.15 g of potassium hydroxide powder containing about 10% of water are stirred in 80 ml of dimethylformamide wih exclusion of air, whereupon a reddish-brown colouration is produced. The temperature is brought to 90° C. over the course of 30 minutes, and the mixture is stirred for a further hour at 90° to 95° C. and thereafter cooled to room temperature. 100 ml of water and 40 ml of 10% strength aqueous hydrochloric acid are now successively added dropwise. The precipitated reaction product is filtered off, washed with a large amount of water and thereafter with 200 ml of methanol, and dried: 2.3 g (82.0% of theory) of 2-styrylanthracene of formula ##STR308## in the form of a light yellow powder, melting point 248° to 249° C. Three recrystallisations from o-dichlorobenzene (active charcoal) yield 1.75 g (62.4% of theory) of light yellow glistening platelets of melting point 256° to 257° C.

Analysis: C₁₂₂ H₁₆. Calculated: C94.25, H 5.75; found: C 94.22, H 5.66.

The 2-styryl-anthracene derivatives of formula ##STR309## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured in a similar manner:

    ______________________________________                                                II                                                                      I      R                      III                                              ______________________________________                                         348                                                                                    ##STR310##            248-249                                          349                                                                                    ##STR311##            284-285                                          350                                                                                    ##STR312##            271-272                                          351                                                                                    ##STR313##            231-232                                          352                                                                                    ##STR314##              226-226.5                                      353                                                                                    ##STR315##            278-279                                          354                                                                                    ##STR316##            311-312                                          355                                                                                    ##STR317##            324-325                                          356                                                                                    ##STR318##            225.5-226                                        357                                                                                    ##STR319##            265-266                                          358                                                                                    ##STR320##            280-281                                          359                                                                                    ##STR321##            239-240                                          ______________________________________                                    

in a similar manner, the 1-styryl-phenanthrene derivatives of formula ##STR322## listed in the table which follows can be manufactured from retene:

    ______________________________________                                                II                                                                      I      R                      III                                              ______________________________________                                         361                                                                                    ##STR323##            136.5-137                                        362                                                                                    ##STR324##            136-136.5                                        363                                                                                    ##STR325##            138-138.5                                        364                                                                                    ##STR326##            184-184.5                                        365                                                                                    ##STR327##            189.5-190                                        ______________________________________                                    

example 18

bleached woven fabric of polyamide staple fibre (nylon-spun) is treated, at a bath ratio of 1:30, for 30 minutes at 90° to 95° C. in a bath which, relative to the fibre material, contains 0.1% of one of the compounds of formulae (117), (126) to (129), (213), (215) to (243), or (283) to (286), and 1% of 40% strength acetic acid. After rinsing and drying the woven fabric treated in this way shows a notable optical brightening.

If instead of the woven fabric of polyamide staple fibre a woven fabric of polyamide filament is used, similar good brightening effects are achieved.

EXAMPLE 19

100 parts of polyester granules of terephthalic acid ethylene glycol polyester are intimately mixed with 0.05 parts of one of the styryl derivatives of formulae (142), (144) to (147), (154), (155), (174), (237) to (243), (256), (259), (298) and (354) and fused at 285° C. whilst stirring. After spinning the spinning composition through conventional spinnerettes, strongly brightened polyester fibres are obtained.

The compounds mentioned above can also be added to the starting substances before or during the polycondensation to give the polyester.

EXAMPLE 20

10,000 parts of a polyamide manufactured from hexamethylene diamine adipate in a known manner, in the form of chips, are mixed for 12 hours in a rolling vessel with 30 parts of titanium dioxide (rutile modification) and 2 parts of the compound of formulae (138), (140), (142), (144) to (152), (154), (155), (168)- (201), (256), (258), (260), (298), (300), (304), (350) and (355). The chips which have been treated in this way are fused in a kettle heated to 300°-310° C. by means of oil or diphenyl vapour after displacing the atmospheric oxygen by superheated steam, and are stirred for half an hour. The melt is thereafter extended through a spinnerette under a nitrogen pressure of 5 atmospheres excess and the filament which has been spun in this way and cooled is wound up on a spinning spool. The resulting filaments are optically brightened.

EXAMPLE 21

100 g of polypropylene "fibre grade" are intimately mixed with 0.02 g, in each case, of the compound of formulae (146), (195), (198), (219), (237), (241), (256) or (305) and fused to 280° to 290° C. whilst stirring. After spinning through conventional spinnerettes and stretching, polypropylene fibres having a good brightening effect are obtained.

EXAMPLE 22

An intimate mixture of 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride, 3 parts of stabiliser (Advastat BD 100; Ba/Cd complex), 2 parts of titanium dioxide, 59 parts of dioctyl phthalate and 0.01 to 0.2 parts of one of the compounds of formulae (256), (258) or (259) is rolled to a foil on a calender at 150° to 155° C. The opaque polyvinyl chloride foil thus obtained has a significantly higher white content than a foil which does not contain the optical brightener.

EXAMPLE 23

100 parts of polystyrene and 0.1 part of one of the compounds of formulae (256), (258) to (264) and (325) are fused for 20 minutes at 210° C. in a tube of 1 cm diameter, with exclusion of air. After cooling, an optically brightened polystyrene composition of good light fastness is obtained. 

We claim:
 1. Process for the manufacture of styryl compounds, which comprises reacting (A) a Schiff base formula ##STR328## wherein h represents hydrogen or halogen and,W₆ represents a phenyl residue ##STR329## wherein R_(x) denotes a phenoxy group or an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R_(y) represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms and, p represents the numbers 1 to 3 with (B) compound of formula ##STR330## wherein M₂ represents hydrogen, the methyl group or phenyl, with this reaction being carried out at temperatures from 10° to 150° C. In the presence of a basic compound of the formula KOC_(x-1) H_(2x-1) wherein x represents an integer from 1 to 6 and with dimethylformamide as the reaction medium, and wherein in the case, where potassium hydroxide is used as a basic compound, this may have a water content of up to 15%, and wherein the ratio of the Schiff base to the basic potassium compound being 1:1 to 1:8. 